WO2014108114A1

WO2014108114A1 - Glueless composite panel and method for the glueless connection of two panel elements

Info

Publication number: WO2014108114A1
Application number: PCT/DE2013/100431
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guido Schulte
Original assignee: Guido Schulte
Priority date: 2013-01-14
Filing date: 2013-12-18
Publication date: 2014-07-17
Also published as: US9598856B2; US20150368896A1; EP2943090B1; DE102013100352A1; EP2943090A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a glueless composite panel which comprises a first panel element A and a second panel element. The two panel elements A are connected together via coupling means (2) that extend in each case parallel to a longitudinal direction x of a first end side (5) of the first panel element A. As coupling means (2), a first groove (6) is arranged on the first panel element A on the first end side (5) thereof, said groove being delimited by a tongue (7) and an edge strip (8) that is set back with respect to the tongue (7). The first edge strip (8) is in this case subdivided into individual first strip sections (8a). By contrast, the second panel element has corresponding coupling means such that in the coupled state of the two panel elements A the first strip sections (8a) and second strip sections of the second panel element undercut one another at least regionally. In this case, the respective strip sections (8a) are arranged in a groove (6) of the other panel element A in each case. In order to couple the two panel elements A, the coupling means (2) thereof are moved towards one another and locked together by way of a subsequent relative movement of the two panel elements A in the opposite direction.

Description

Glueless panel composite as well

Method for glueless joining of two plate elements

The invention relates to a glueless plate composite according to the features in the preamble of claim 1 and a method for glue-less joining at least two plate elements of a plate composite according to the features of claim 15th

A variety of furnishings include or are formed by panel members. In addition to purely decorative arrangements, they form the predominant part of the design of mostly closed rooms, especially in the form of furniture. Depending on the functionality as seating furniture, table or container furniture they are also used outdoors. To create a seat, storage or Absteilfläche, these have a mostly horizontally oriented plate member, which is either stored directly on a wall area or via an additional arrangement on a wall or on a floor area or set up. Their design usually provides at least two plate elements, which are connected to each other in angled orientation. In particular storage or container furniture in this case have an open body of three or more plate elements, which can be closed if necessary, for example, a door.

The usually self-supporting base element of such a furnishing article has a basic construction, which in most cases consists of at least two plate elements. In this case, the individual plate elements, for example, take over the function of a side part, a bottom or a lid. In particular, in Korpussen thus created their composite into a frame plate elements are connected to each other via a rear wall, which stabilizes the position of the individual plate elements to each other in the form of a disc and fixed.

In the prior art, it is known to join the individual plate elements, for example glued or disassembled. In this case, the areas of the plate elements which come into contact with one another are connected to one another via a suitable adhesive connection. Such adhesive bonds are usually done using additional wooden dowels. In addition to the blunt collision of the plate elements, these can also have a miter on the front side, whereby the orientation of the interconnected plate elements is determined to each other.

In contrast, demountable constructions are realized such that the individual plate elements are coupled to each other, for example via detachable furniture connectors. In addition to the connection fittings to be used, for example, in the interior of a body, invisible carcass connectors have also been established. These have a screw bolt which is inserted via its thread into an end face or side face of the respective wall element. is screwed. A non-threaded portion of the bolt has a bolt head, which corresponds to a flat-cylindrical eccentric connector.

Laminated compounds provide a very durable way to interconnect individual plate elements. The bonding required in each case depends on the expected load and in particular on the materials used for the plate elements. In the usual way, such plate elements are provided for example of wood or wood-based materials. In addition, however, these can also be formed, for example, from plastic or glass as well as mineral components.

Due to the usually required arrangement of wooden dowels for fixing the position and transmission of shear forces and the indispensable drying time such compounds require a correspondingly long production time. Furthermore, a very careful operation is necessary to get not only a durable connection unwanted contamination of the visible surfaces with adhesive, for example, with glue. Furthermore, a bonded together plate composite must be destroyed if necessary, to disassemble this.

In contrast, the use of furniture connectors provides a simple way for the glueless production of such a composite panel. If necessary, this can then be easily disassembled on the releasable connection means and reassembled for example elsewhere. Nevertheless, such furniture connector make appropriate demands on the assembly of the wall elements, which is supplemented by additional effort in mounting such a panel composite. In particular, the time required for the assembly increases the costs incurred for the production costs. In this respect, an economical production of such a composite panel is difficult. In addition, there is the danger of any over-tightened connecting means, which leads, for example, to an outbreak of the internal thread within such a plate element. DE 20 2009 008 825 U1 discloses a further possibility for the composition of two plate elements, which can be connected to one another without glue by means of coupling means arranged thereon. As a glueless plate composite, this has at least a first plate member and a second plate member, which enclose an angle other than 180 degrees in the connected state between them. The coupling means each extend parallel to a longitudinal direction of the end faces of the plate elements.

The coupling means are formed in that the first plate member has a first groove which is arranged on its end face. In contrast, the second plate element has a groove, which is arranged on a laterally adjoining its end side inner edge region and is bounded laterally by a transition in the end edge strip. The groove arranged in the end face of the first plate element is delimited by a tongue and a first edge strip which springs back relative to the tongue.

The first edge strip is designed so far elastically in that it is released over a arranged in the side surface of the first plate member slot and during the coupling process is resiliently displaceable in this.

As a result, a glueless plate composite is created, which allows quick assembly of the plate elements to be joined together. However, any loosening of the connection is possible only with the appropriate effort, the risk of destruction, in particular of the resilient part of the first edge strip, is not to be prevented in principle. Furthermore, the plate elements to be joined together must be designed with respect to their coupling means with the appropriate effort and precision to produce the necessary tension between the plate elements to be joined. Only in this way is it possible to realize a gap-free connection between the panel elements.

Against this background, the glueless panel composite of individual panel elements still offers room for improvement. The present invention is based on the object of demonstrating a glueless plate composite and a method for glueless joining at least two plate elements to a plate composite, the plate elements to allow easy production of their robust coupling means over which the plate elements within a very short time to a durable plate composite can be assembled, which can be easily dismantled if necessary without fatigue or even destruction of the coupling elements.

The solution of the objective part of the task according to the invention in a glueless plate composite with the features of claim 1. The procedural part of this object is achieved by a method for glue-less joining at least two plate elements to a plate composite with the features of claim 15.

According to this, the glueless panel composite comprises at least a first panel element and a second panel element, wherein the two panel elements are connectable to one another via coupling means arranged thereon and extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of their respective end sides. In the interconnected state of the plate elements include an angle not equal to 180 degrees between them. The individual coupling means are formed insofar as that the first plate element has a first groove on its first end side, while the second plate element comprises a second groove, which, however, not arranged on its second end face, but on a laterally adjacent to its second end side inner edge region is. The groove arranged in the inner edge region of the second plate element is bounded laterally by a second edge strip which merges into the second end face of the second plate element. The front groove of the first plate member introduced first groove is bounded by a tongue and a respect to the tongue recessed first edge strip.

According to the invention, both the first edge strip and the second edge strip of the respective plate elements are interrupted in their extension parallel to the longitudinal direction of the respective end faces several times. As a result, both the first edge strip in individual first strip sections and the second edge strip in divided into individual second groin sections. The respective strip sections are arranged on the plate elements to be joined such that in their coupled state, the first strip sections and the second strip sections undercut at least partially. In this situation, the first strip sections and the second strip sections engage behind one another. In this case, the first strip sections of the first plate element are arranged in the second groove of the second plate element, while the second strip sections of the second plate element are arranged in the first groove of the first plate element.

The particular advantage here is the renunciation of any deliberately yielding trained parts of the coupling agent. As a result, no resistance must be overcome when coupling the individual plate elements, which is otherwise overcome only by lateral displacement of a portion of the coupling means. By dispensing with resilient parts of the coupling means a possible material weakening is already effectively prevented during the joining of the plate elements. In addition, the coupling means designed in this way allow their robust, unyielding design, which also causes a durable connection between the plate elements over a long period of time.

In order to provide an increased tension between the encompassing parts of the coupling means, if required, at least one of the first strip sections or the second strip sections can be wedge-shaped at least in certain areas. In this case, said wedge shape extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the respective end face. The wedge shape causes the thus configured strip portion in a constant relative movement between the two mutually engaging via the coupling means plate elements requires an increasing amount of force to be pushed parallel to the longitudinal direction of one of the end faces further into the respective groove. The reason for this is the increasing contact pressure between the at least partially wedge-shaped strip portion and the otherwise uniform over its course across wide groove. In contrast, at least one of the grooves located in each case in the region of the strip sections may have such a wedge-shaped course, while the strip section corresponding to the groove designed in this way has no or a deviating wedge shape of at least one of its regions. In any case, the wedge-shaped configuration must be designed so that when inserting a strip portion in one of the grooves increases their voltage in the contact area to each other by either the respective cross-section of the strip portion thickened or the corresponding cross section of the groove is tapered.

Another advantage of subdivided into individual strip portions skirting is to be seen in that the plate elements to be joined together do not have to be pushed over the entire length of the edge strips away from each other, but only offset from one another and locked to each other via an oppositely oriented relative movement to each other. In this case, the individual strip sections of one of the plate elements are pushed through between the strip sections of the respective other plate element until their respective position runs in the plane of the corresponding groove. Subsequently, the individual strip sections are shifted in the respective grooves by the two plate elements are displaced opposite to each other parallel to the longitudinal direction of one of the end faces. In this position, the respective strip portions of the first plate element and the second plate element undercut at least partially.

The plate elements to be joined together usually have the same width measured parallel to the longitudinal direction of their end faces. The individual strip sections are preferably arranged on the respective plate elements in such a way that they are aligned with one another in the interconnected state of the plate elements. This ensures that the edges running between the end faces of the respective plate element run in the same plane in the coupled state of the two plate elements.

If the plate elements to be connected to each other have a different width from each other, the respective strip portions are preferably arranged so that they are aligned with each other, if each to a narrow side of the plate composite facing edges after the relative movement of the two plate elements to each other in the same plane.

Advantageous developments of the subject inventive concept are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 14.

Thus, both the first strip portions at a distance and the second strip portions may be arranged at a distance from each other. Particularly preferably, the respective distance between the first strip sections or the second strip sections is constant. Depending on the design, the respective distance between the first strip sections or the second strip sections may also be different. Different means, for example, that two immediately adjacent strip portions of a plate element have a distance from each other, which differs from the distance of these strip portions to a respective adjacent strip portion.

At different distances between the individual strip sections, these are preferably designed so that they repeat themselves. In other words, two strip portions can identify a large distance between them, while they have only a small distance to each adjacent strip portion. In contrast, the strip sections following in the longitudinal direction, in turn, occupy a large distance and so on.

Due to the arrangement of the individual distances of the strip portions, the respective number of strip portions can be adjusted to the respective plate element. A large number of strip portions cause the interconnected plate elements to have a plurality of undercuts. By contrast, strip portions arranged at a great distance from each other reduce their number, so that the amount of possible undercuts within the panel composite is also reduced. In this way, areas that are subject to higher loads in relation to the coupling of the two plate elements, have a plurality of strip portions. In contrast, less stressed areas can be designed so that there arranged strip portions are reduced to a minimum due to their large distances from each other.

The individual strip sections have a length, which is determined in particular by the respective distance between the individual strip sections to each other. Thus, in relation to the production, initially a skirting is created on one of the plate elements, which is then interrupted by appropriate material removal into individual strip sections. If the individual interruptions in relation to the respective longitudinal direction of the edge strips are small, while the distances between the individual interruptions are large, a corresponding length of the individual strip sections is achieved. In contrast, the interruptions can occupy even larger areas, so that the length of the respective strip sections is significantly reduced with a close arrangement of the individual interruptions.

The distance of the first strip sections from one another preferably corresponds to at least one length of the second strip sections measured parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second end side. In contrast, the distance between the second strip sections can correspond to one another at least one length of the first strip sections measured parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first end side.

In this way, the respective lengths of the strip portions of a plate member are adapted to the distances between the individual strip portions of the other plate member. This ratio creates the largest possible area for the necessary undercuts.

Furthermore, it is provided that the second end face of the second plate element has a parallel to the longitudinal direction extending header. In contrast, the tongue of the first plate member may have a corresponding with the header dome. Here, the header of the one plate element is arranged in the coupled state of the two plate elements in the latching channel of the other plate member.

The advantage lies in the fact that the two interconnected plate elements by the arranged in the dome channel header a guide have, within which the two plate elements are held to each other during the relative movement. In addition, additional contact surfaces are created by the dome channel and the header arranged therein, which are due to their distance to a possible pivot point between the plate elements coupled to each other and increase the required bending stiffness of the plate composite thus created.

In this context, the header can be adapted to the cross section of the dome channel. In this way, a possible tight fit between the head strip and the dome channel is generated, which allows a tight and thus low-motion connection between the two plate elements.

Furthermore, it is provided that the first strip sections are also respectively adapted to the second groove and the second strip sections corresponding to the first groove. Of course, the shape-adapted cross-sectional shape of the strip portions and grooves can refer to only a few sections or areas thereof.

Advantageously, the tongue of the first plate member may transition into an outer side surface opposite the inner side surface of the first plate member. As a result, the tongue extends seamlessly from the outer side surface of the first plate member or into this, without affecting the overall visual impression of the outer side surface by any interruption or even a jump in the cross section. In addition, this creates the most slender possible connection of the two plate elements, the respective coupling means are arranged so that they cover each other in the connected state of the two plate elements and thus are not visually perceptible.

In other words, these are internal coupling means.

In principle, the individual coupling means can be fixed to the respective panel element, for example via an adhesive connection or other connection means. Particularly preferably, the respective coupling means are of uniform material integral part of the respective plate member. Here, the coupling means are formed out of the respective plate elements. If the plate elements consist, for example, of a wood material, the coupling means can already be molded onto it during the production of the respective plate element. In contrast, the coupling means may also be formed by a corresponding removal of material from the material of the respective plate member.

Particularly preferably, the tongue of the first plate element can be designed so that it completely covers the second end face of the second plate element in the coupled state of the plate elements. In this way, a possible optical impairment of the composite plate in the region of the coupling means is largely reduced, since the visually perceptible separation of the plate composite in the individual plate elements reduces only to an interruption between the tongue of the first plate member and the second end face of the second plate member. Said interruption is perceptible in the connected state of the two plate elements only on a side surface of the plate composite with respect to the second plate member.

Advantageously, the individual coupling means are rigid. As a result, an impact that can not be ruled out in practice when coupling the individual plate elements does not lead to any damage to the coupling means which reduces the coupling. In addition, no deliberately elastically formed areas of the coupling means are provided, which can be damaged in particular during a continuous load or even overuse during use or even during the connection process. In particular, when assembling equipped with such elastic coupling means plate elements a possible regional overstretching can not be excluded, as a result, a plastic deformation or even damage to the elastically formed part of the coupling means, by which the actual coupling effect is significantly reduced within the plate assembly. In principle, one of the outer side surface of the first plate member opposite and adjacent to the first end side first portion of the tongue may be formed so that it has a parallel course to the outer side surface. As a result, the tongue has a constant thickness with respect to its extension perpendicular to the first edge strip.

In contrast, the tongue can also be formed so that at least a first portion of the tongue and an outer side surface of the first plate member include a first angle of less than 90 degrees between them. In this way, at least a first portion of the tongue is inclined relative to the outer side surface of the first plate member. In this context, the second plate element may be formed such that at least a second portion of its second end face and an outer edge portion opposite the inner edge portion enclose a second angle therebetween, which is also less than 90 degrees. Thus, a second portion of the second end face is inclined relative to the outer edge region of the second plate member.

In this way, either the first portion of the first plate member or the second portion of the second plate member may be performed inclined. Of course, both the first portion and the second portion of the two plate elements can be designed inclined in this way.

The particular advantage is to be seen in that the individual subregions of the respective end faces of the two plate elements are adapted to the respective coupling situation. The coupling situation means the respective position of the two plate elements to each other with respect to their included angle between them. Due to the inclination of at least one of the subregions, the respective contact surface between the plate elements is increased, whereby any stresses between the plate elements are reduced with the same load. Furthermore, the optical properties of the plate composite can be adjusted to the effect that, in particular by the inclination of the first portion of the tongue, a shift of the optically perceivable connection plane between the plate elements as close as possible to the outer side surface of the first plate member is displaceable.

In an advantageous manner, the respective subregions are coordinated with respect to their inclination to one another in such a way that they lie flat on one another when the angular position of the two interconnected plate elements is provided. In this way, the entire surface of the subregions can be used to transmit the voltages occurring between them.

In an advantageous development, the connecting plane extending between the first subarea and the second subarea in the connected state of the plate elements can run in such a way that it intersects an outer corner located at the intersection of the respective extensions of the outer edge region of the second plate element and the outer side surface of the first plate element. In this way, said connection plane extends through the outer corner of the plate composite formed from the plate elements.

Advantageously, the otherwise visually perceptible on one of the outer side surfaces of the interconnected plate elements connection plane can be moved in the outer corner region of the plate assembly. This results in the typical appearance of second miter cut and interconnected plate elements.

In addition to the connection of two plate elements, these may, of course, include either only one of their end faces or on several of their end faces formed coupling means in the previously indicated form. Thus, the invention provides that the composite plate according to the invention may comprise at least three such plate elements, wherein the respective plate elements in the coupled state form a glueless body, for example, for a piece of furniture in the form of a self-contained frame. In this way, four or more such plate elements may be assembled into an open or self-contained frame.

Preferably, the plate elements may each have a groove extending within the assembled frame. Within this circumferential groove is a back wall can be arranged. In this case, the width of the groove oriented in an advantageous manner to the respective thickness of the rear wall in order to accommodate them as possible without play. The groove can thereby extend into the corner regions of the self-contained frame, so that a circumferential groove is formed within the frame. It is necessary to insert the rear wall before the closing of the frame in the existing grooves of the individual plate elements before it is closed, for example by a lid. This against the background, since a subsequent insertion of the rear wall in this groove is otherwise not possible.

Of course, the respective grooves on the inner side surfaces of the frame, closer to the plate members, at least partially spaced from the respective inner corner regions of the self-contained frame. In this case, the rear wall to be used has at least one recessed and thus not completely formed corner region whose size is oriented at the remaining between the grooves and the corner portion of the plate elements. This configuration makes it possible to leave a corresponding opening in an inner corner region within the rear wall, in the region of which no optically disturbing groove is arranged within the plate elements.

In principle, the rear wall can be designed such that its dimensions are oriented to the inner dimensions of the closed frame plus at least part of the respective depth of the groove introduced into at least one of the plate elements. As a result, the rear wall is guided almost free of play with respect to a movement of the rear wall within its plane after closing the frame.

Alternatively, the rear wall in the installed state to at least one plate member, closer to the inner side surface, be spaced. In this case, at least one wedge element is provided, which can then be arranged between this inner side surface of the plate element and the rear wall. The wedge member bridges the gap formed between the rear wall and the inner side surface of a plate member, thereby positioning the rear wall otherwise movable within the remaining grooves. With others In other words, the rear wall, which is otherwise movable within the groove, is fixed in position by the wedge element and in this case is spaced from the one inner side surface of the plate element.

By the at least one wedge element, a corresponding voltage between the rear wall and at least two opposing plate elements can be constructed, which transmits into the individual inner corner regions and thus to the coupling means of the interconnected plate elements.

In principle, at least one of the plate elements can be made shorter in the region of the groove provided for the rear wall. In this case, a front side of this plate element jumps back behind the plane of the groove of adjacent plate elements. The advantage is that the rear wall can still be introduced into its intended position within the closed frame, even though this is already completed to a self-contained frame. The thereby receding part of a plate member releases the grooves mounted in the remaining plate elements to an edge, in which the rear wall can be subsequently inserted from one side.

In combination with the wedge element according to the invention, this can then be fixed in its intended position within the frame.

When using such a wedge element, it is considered to be particularly advantageous if this has a latching lug. The locking lug is intended to secure the wedge element in its intended position against accidental falling out or pulling out. In this case, the locking lug engages behind the rear wall in the arranged state of the wedge element, while it is arranged between an inner side surface of one of the plate elements and the rear wall. Of course, the latching nose can also reach behind a region of a plate element, for example into a recess, in order to be fixed in its position. Depending on the configuration, this recess may also be the groove within the plate elements that is used anyway for receiving the rear wall. With regard to the configuration of the coupling means, the first edge strip of the first plate element can merge into the inner side surface of the first plate element. In this way, in the assembled state of the plate members, the inner side surface of the first plate member directly transitions into the second groove of the second plate member. As a result, the greatest possible spacing of the individual parts of the coupling means is achieved, wherein the thus enlarged inner lever arms leads to a reduction of the occurring stresses in the connecting region between the plate elements.

Depending on requirements and in particular for thicker plate elements used, the first edge strip may also be spaced apart from the inner side surface of the first plate element. The thus rising from the first edge strip to the inner side surface of the first plate member part here can provide an additional partial area available, against which the second plate member can be supported within the plate composite. In this way, the forces occurring in the connection region between the plate elements can be transferred to further partial surfaces, whereby the respective loads can be reduced by reducing the voltages as well.

The present invention showed a very simple way to produce a glue-less plate composite and its necessary plate elements, which can be produced within a very short time and both plugged together and easily dismantled.

In particular, the overall robust design of the individual coupling means allows a very durable connection between the plate elements, which allows a durable coupling even after several joining and loosening processes of the compound. The waiver of any elastically formed parts of the coupling means allows a practical handling, without exaggerated caution when assembling the panel assembly. In this way, a possible overuse of the otherwise elastic designed and thus usually filigree executed parts of the coupling means during assembly or disassembly and storage is excluded. Associated Fatigue is not expected thanks to the robust design of the coupling agents.

Overall, the glue-free composite panel creates a visually appealing and practical way for the rapid completion of individual panel elements to a panel composite. Also, if necessary, the disassembly of the plate assembly goes without the need for displacement or bending of any parts of the coupling means associated, since this only requires a relative movement of the interconnected plate elements in the opposite direction.

Subsequently, a solution according to the invention for glueless connection of at least two plate elements is shown to a plate composite.

The solution consists in a method for glueless joining at least two plate elements to a plate composite, which include an angle not equal to 180 degrees between them. Said plate elements have mutually engageable coupling means, which comprise individual edge strips which are divided into individual strip portions.

For the connection, the plate elements are first approximated to one another until at least one of the first strip sections of the first plate element has slid between two of the second strip sections of the second plate element and in the plane of a second groove arranged on an inner edge region of the second plate element and at least one of the second Leistenabschnitte located in the plane of a first end face of the first plate member disposed first groove. As soon as the respective strip sections have reached the plane of the respective grooves, the plate elements to be connected to one another are subsequently displaced relative to one another via a limited relative movement with respect to one another.

Said relative movement takes place in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the first or the second end side extending locking direction. The relative movement is carried out until the first strip section at least partially in the second groove and the second strip section at least partially arranged in the first groove. In this position, the strip portions thus pushed one behind the other undercut at least in sections, so that a separation of the interconnected plate elements due to the formed undercuts is no longer possible.

The particular advantage is that this allows a durable connection between the plate elements waiving elastic, in particular resiliently executed parts of the connecting means. The measures known in the prior art for the formation of such a plate composite usually require the bridging of any holding force which subsequently secures the interconnected plate elements against undesired release of the connection. In other words, in this case a resistance must first be overcome in which, for example, a region of the coupling means is displaced elastically, in order, for example, to correspond to an undercut after its return deformation in the connected state of the plate elements. In order to dissolve such a realized connection again, correspondingly high forces are usually necessary, which not infrequently leads to the destruction or at least to the weakening of the further possibility of connecting the plate elements thus separated from each other.

The invention further provides that the second plate element has a header arranged on its second end face. The head strip extends in the longitudinal direction of the second end face. In contrast, the first plate element may have a coupling channel formed on its tongue, which corresponds to the head strip of the second plate element. These parts of the coupling means are provided so that, at the end of the approach of the plate elements, the head strip of the second plate element engages in the coupling channel of the first plate element. Of course, the coupling channel of the first plate element also extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first end face. During the subsequent relative movement of the two plate elements, the head strip is thus displaced within the dome channel parallel to the longitudinal direction of the end faces. In addition to the unique guidance of the plate elements thus produced during the relative movement, further parts of the connecting means are thereby created in order to be able to safely absorb the loads occurring on the plate composite.

In a further development, the coupling means may also have an additional projection and a corresponding recess. In this context, it is provided that, during the relative movement of the wall elements relative to one another in the locking direction, the projection arranged in each case on the coupling means engages in the recess which is likewise arranged on the coupling means.

The particular advantage here is in a first without appreciable resistance taking approach of the wall elements, whereupon the actual, especially durable connection between the plate elements via the locking movement in the locking direction. Thus, only at the relative movement of the plate elements to each other, the undercut having strip portions of the coupling means and depending on the configuration and the respective projection with a corresponding recess engage each other.

Since no appreciable resistance is to be bridged, a total material-friendly way of connecting plate elements is thereby made possible. In contrast, the release of such a connection also takes place via a relative movement of the interconnected plate elements, which can be done for example both against the locking direction as well as in their continuation. The separation of the two plate elements is basically achieved in that the first and second strip portions are offset from each other by the relative movement of the plate members so that they slide in a mutually taking place away movement of the plate elements meshing past each other.

In a continuation of the basic idea of the invention, the coupling means of at least one plate element can be executed at least partially friction-reducing. This against the backdrop of a possible simple connection of the plate elements, which arises as a result of the relative movement and concomitant engagement of the strip sections. For this purpose, the coupling means can either be formed as slippery as possible or have a corresponding coating. Of course, the desired slipperiness of the plate elements to be joined together can also be effected only shortly before their coupling with each other, for example by using a suitable lubricant.

The aim is to reduce the sometimes high static friction in the contacting areas of the plate elements, in particular the coupling means, in order to facilitate the actual locking movement. In addition to the smoothest as possible surface design of said areas, for example by having a high density of the actual plate material and a suitable surface treatment, they may also have the friction-reducing coatings of a different material. Such a coating may be, for example, a lacquer or a plastic. These form a self-adhesive coating, which are preferably subject to no appreciable wear even after several locking and unlocking movements of the plate elements. In contrast, the coating may also be formed as a lubricant, which in turn is not firmly connected to the areas in question, but in the form of a lubricant adheres to these.

In addition to the reduced sliding friction in this way between the plate elements which are coupled or uncoupled with one another, an influence on the static friction within the connection is furthermore conceivable. Thus, the areas in contact with each other at least partially have increased static friction, so that the created by the locking movement connection between the plate elements is not readily resolvable. In other words, to their desired separation from each other in the connection area specifically set stiction must be overcome in order to move the individual strip sections from their, the undercuts forming positions. Depending on the configuration of the thus increased static friction, both the locking and the unlocking movement would therefore be inhibited. Furthermore, the lubricant thus created can also be adjusted so that the respective friction is different depending on the direction. Favor here would be the sliding friction during the locking movement reduced, whereas this is increased in the opposite direction of unlocking. At the same time, the stiction in the interconnected state of the plate elements can also be increased in this way.

It is conceivable that the connection areas in question are at least partially provided with a means which changes its properties over an adjustable period of time. Thus, for example, this means may initially act as a lubricant during the locking movement, while it reduces or even loses its lubricity in the coupled state of the plate elements or changed to an adhesive effect. In this context, the agent in question can, for example, become resinous over time, whereby the connection created between the plate elements is adhesively reinforced.

In principle, the required lubricity in the connection region can also be set by additional components which are arranged at least in sections or sections. Conceivable for this purpose are, for example, sliding strips in the form of plastic bands, which are arranged, for example, in the groove and / or the dome channel, so that the corresponding edge strip or the corresponding strip portions and the head strip slide on one of the plastic bands.

Said plastic bands can either be loosely inserted or connected to the respective areas of the plate elements. In the latter case, these can also be arranged on the engaging in the groove and / or the dome channel parts of the coupling means. In addition to a flat or the course of the dome channel adapted cross-sectional configuration said plastic bands may also have a U-shape, so that they cover the respective edges of the coupling means at least partially. In this context, it is also conceivable that such a plastic band is adapted in the form of an insert to the entire cross-sectional configuration of the coupling means of a plate member. Provided with any swelling properties, so a very lubricious connection could be created, which over a certain period of time by a cross-sectional increase causes a very firm connection of the plate elements with each other. The cross-sectional increase could be adjusted so that any unlocking movement to separate the plate elements either difficult or even prevented.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to some schematically illustrated in the figures embodiments. Show it:

1 shows a glueless panel composite according to the invention in perspective

Presentation;

FIG. 2 shows the detailed detail of a connection region of the panel composite from FIG. 1 in a view;

3 shows a first plate element of the detail of Figure 2 in the same

Presentation;

Figure 4 shows another plate element of the detail of Figure 2 in the same

Presentation;

FIG. 5 shows the plate element from FIG. 3 in a perspective representation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the plate element from FIG. 4;

Figure 7 shows the detail of Figure 2 in an alternative embodiment in the same

Presentation;

Figure 8 shows a plate element of the alternative embodiment of Figure 7 in the same representation;

FIG. 9 a further plate element of the alternative embodiment from FIG. 7 in the same representation;

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the detail of Figure 2 in the same

Representation, Figure 1 1 shows an alternative embodiment of the detail of Figure 7 in the same representation as well as

12 shows a detail of a panel composite according to the invention in a perspective representation.

Figure 1 shows a glueless panel composite 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The plate composite 1 comprises a first plate element A and a second plate element B, which are connected to one another via coupling means 2 arranged thereon. For better clarity, in the present case the two plate elements A, B are reduced to their areas near the coupling means 2 and thus only partially shown.

The interconnected plate elements A, B are aligned with each other so that they enclose an angle c not equal to 180 degrees between them. In the present case, an angle c of 90 degrees is shown.

FIG. 2 shows the connection region of the panel composite 1 from FIG. 1 in a detailed view. As can be seen, a connecting plane d extends between the first plate element A and the second plate element B, which can be visually perceived as a parting line 4 from an outer side 3 of the plate composite 1.

FIG. 3 shows the first plate element A of FIG. 2 in a representation separated from the second plate element B. As can be seen, the first plate element A comprises a first end face 5, in which a first groove 6 directed into the first plate element A is arranged. The first groove 6 is laterally bounded in each case by a tongue 7 and a first edge strip 8 which springs back relative to the tongue 7.

The tongue 7 further has a dome channel 9 directed into it, which is offset with respect to its orientation by 90 degrees to the first groove 6 and adjacent thereto. The dome channel 9 is designed such that it has a rounded base 10. In contrast, the first groove 6 is designed so that its base 1 1 is aligned at right angles to parallel flanks 12 a, 12 b of the first groove 6. The lower flank 12b of the first groove 6, which is facing the illustration of FIG. 3, simultaneously forms one side of the first edge strip 8, which lies opposite an inner side surface 13 of the first plate element A. In the present case, said flank 12b has a parallel course to the inner side surface 13 of the first plate element A. The dome channel 9 arranged in the tongue 7 is spaced apart from a head region 14 located at the end of the tongue 7, so that a first partial region 15 directed towards the inner lateral surface 13 of the first plate element A results. Furthermore, the first portion 15 is aligned parallel to one of the inner side surface 13 of the first plate member A opposite outer side surface 16. Thus, the first portion 15 and the head portion 14 of the tongue 7 merge into each other at right angles.

The tongue 7 is configured on its region opposite to the first subregion 15 in such a way that it merges seamlessly into the outer side surface 16 and without any jump. In the same way, the flank 12b of the first groove 6 opposite side of the first edge strip 8 is formed so that it seamlessly merges into the inner side surface 13 of the first plate member A without jump.

Both the first edge strip 8 and the first groove 6 have chamfers 17 arranged on them, wherein the first edge strip 8 merges via the chamfers 17 both into the lower flank 12b of the first groove 6 and into the inner side face 13 of the first plate element A. , While the base 1 1 of the first groove 6 passes over the chamfers 17 in the flanks 12a, 12b of the first groove 6.

FIG. 4 shows the corresponding counterpart to the first plate element A from FIG. 3 in the form of the second plate element B. In contrast to FIG. 2, this is likewise removed from the plate composite 1, which illustrates the design of its coupling means 2. The second plate element B has an inner edge region 18 and an outer edge region 19, which lies opposite the inner edge region 18 and between which a second end face 20 of the second plate element B extends at the end. The inner edge region 18 and the outer edge region 19 of the second plate element B are immediately adjacent to the second end face 20. As can be seen, the inner edge region 18 has a second groove 21, which has a base 22 running parallel to the inner edge region 18 and flanks 23a, 23b extending from this to the inner edge region 18. In the present case, the flanks 23a, 23b of the second groove 21 are aligned parallel to one another and are arranged at right angles to the inner edge region 18. The second groove 21 is laterally spaced from a second edge strip 24 to the second end face 20, wherein the two sides of the second edge strip 24 by the upper edge 23b of the second groove 21 and one of the flank 23b opposite to the view of FIG Part of the second end face 20 are formed. In the present case, the second edge strip 24 thus merges into the second end face 20.

Analogous to the configuration of the first plate element A from FIG. 3, the second plate element B of FIG. 4 likewise has individual chamfers 17, via which both the base 22 of the second groove 21 in its flanks 23a, 23b and the second edge strip 24 in the upper flank 23b the second groove 21 and the edge 23b opposite area of the second end face 20 pass.

On the second end face 20, a head strip 25 is further arranged, which extends beyond the second end face 20 of the second plate element B addition. 2, it is clear that the head strip 25 is arranged in the coupled state of the two plate elements A, B in the dome channel 9. Furthermore, the head strip 25 is formed so that it is adapted to the shape of the dome channel 9, in particular to the rounded base 10, shaped. Furthermore, it is clear that the tongue 7 of the first plate member A in its coupled state with the second plate member B completely covers its second end face 20.

The coupling means 2 resulting from FIGS. 3 and 4 are all configured in such a way that they have a rigid construction. In other words, the individual parts of the coupling means have such cross-sections that they are not specifically designed for a possible compliance.

FIG. 5 shows the single first plate element A from FIG. 3 in a perspective view. As can be seen, the coupling means 2 each extend parallel to a longitudinal direction x of the first end face of the first plate element A. In this view, it is clear that the first edge strip 8 is not continuous, but is divided into individual first strip sections 8a. The individual first strip sections 8a are realized by individual recesses 26, which extend to the bottom 11 of the first groove 6. As a result, the first edge strip 8 in the areas of the recesses 26 is completely removed. The individual recesses 26 cause the remaining first strip portions 8a are arranged at a distance x1 from each other parallel to the longitudinal direction x. The first strip sections 8a thus remaining have a length e1 measured parallel to the longitudinal direction x.

FIG. 6 shows the counterpart to the first plate element A represented in FIG. 5 in the form of the second plate element B. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 4, this element is also shown perspectively in the present case. In this illustration, it is also clear that their coupling means 2 also extend parallel to a longitudinal direction x of the second end face 20 of the second plate element B. In particular, the second edge strip 24 is also interrupted by individual recesses 26, so that the second edge strip 24 is divided into individual second strip portions 24a. Through the recesses 26, the second edge strip 24 is also completely removed up to the level of the bottom 22 of the second groove 21. The remaining second strip portions 24 are thereby also arranged at a distance x2 to each other. The second strip sections 24a have a length e2 extending between the recesses 26 and measured parallel to the longitudinal direction x of the second end face 20.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen that the first strip sections 8a of the first plate element A correspond to the length e2 of the second strip sections 24a of the second plate element B with respect to their distance x1. On the other hand, the distance x2 of the second strip portions 24a of the second plate member B is set so as to correspond to the respective length e1 of the first strip portions 8a of the first plate member A. In any case, the individual strip sections 8a, 24a are arranged and formed relative to each other such that in the coupled state of the two plate elements A, B, the first strip sections 8a and the second strip sections 24a at least partially undercut. Here, the first ledge portions 8a of the first plate member A are disposed in the second groove 21 of the second plate member B, while the second ledge portions 24a of the second plate member B are disposed in the first groove 6 of the first plate member A.

As already made clear in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first strip sections 8a are respectively adapted to the second groove 21 and the second strip sections 24a to the first groove 6 in each case. In this way, the greatest possible tightness results in the coupled state of the two plate elements A, B.

In order to perform the coupling of the two plate elements A, B, they are initially approximated to each other until at least one of the first strip portions 8a of the first plate member A between two of the second strip portions 24a of the second plate member B are hindurchgesglitten. In this case, slide the respective strip portions 8a, 24a past each other by being passed between the respective recesses 26 of the respective other plate member A, B. The completed in this way approximation of the two plate elements A, B takes place until the strip portions 8a, 24a of the plate elements A, B lie in the plane of the groove 6, 21 of the respective other plate element A, B. Here, the head strip 25 of the second plate member B and the corresponding dome channel 9 of the first plate member A come into contact with each other, which completely reach each other when reaching the levels of the respective groove 6, 21 through the corresponding strip portions 8a, 24a.

Subsequently, a limited relative movement of the two plate elements A, B takes place to each other, which takes place in a parallel to the longitudinal direction x of the end faces 5, 20 extending locking direction. Here, the two plate elements A, B are displaced opposite to each other until at least one of the first strip portions 8a at least partially disposed in the second groove of the second plate member and thus the second strip portion 24a of the second plate member at least partially in the first groove 6 of the first plate member A. is. In this way, at least one of the undercuts first ledge portions 8a one of the second ledge portions 24a, whereby a durable connection between the two plate elements A, B is provided.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the connection region between the plate elements A, B, in which the connection plane d is inclined with respect to the illustration in FIG. The causal configurations of the two plate elements A, B are the content of the following FIGS. 8 and 9.

Figure 8 shows the alternative embodiment of the first plate member A, in which the first portion 15 is inclined relative to the outer side surface 16 that they include a first angle f of less than 90 degrees between them. In the present case, the angle f is over 45 degrees, so that the connecting plane d does not intersect exactly the inner corner located in the section of the inner side surface 13 and the inner edge region 18.

In contrast, the second plate elements B in Figure 9 on an inclined portion 27 of the second end face 20, which extends between the header 25 and the outer edge portion 19 of the second plate member B. The portion 27 and the outer edge portion 19 of the second plate member B also include an angle g of less than 90 degrees between them. In the present case, the angle g is set below 45 degrees.

Of course, the angle g may be identical to the angle f of the first plate member A executed. Further, the connection plane d can also intersect the inner corner.

With reference to FIG. 7, the two partial regions 15, 27 are inclined such that, in the connected state of the two plate elements A, B, the connecting plane d extending between the first partial region 15 and the second partial region 27 intersects an outer corner 28 of the plate composite 1. The outer corner 28 lies at the intersection of a plane applied to the outer edge region 19 of the second plate element B and a plane applied to the outer side surface 16 of the first plate element A level. FIG. 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of the connecting region between the plate elements A, B. As can be seen, in this case the inner side surface 13 of the first plate element A is further spaced toward its outer side surface 16, so that the first edge strip 8 is not in a plane in FIG the inner side surface 13 of the first plate member A passes. The spacing of the inner side surface 13 results in an offset in the form of a step 29, which abuts against the inner edge region 18 of the second plate element B in the coupled state of the two plate elements A, B. In the present case, the arrangement of the step 29 is combined with the configuration of the connecting region of FIG. 2, the connecting plane d being parallel to the outer side face 16 of the first plate element A.

FIG. 11 also shows the arrangement of the step 29 on the first plate element A, whereas the connection plane d is inclined with respect to the illustration in FIG. 10 and with respect to the first section 15 and the second section 27 of the embodiment in FIGS 9 correspond.

FIG. 12 shows the panel composite 1 according to the invention comprising the first panel element A and the second panel element B in a perspective cutout. As can be seen, the plate composite 1 is supplemented by an additional rear wall 29. For this purpose, with respect to the representation of Figure 12 perpendicular rising second plate element B has a groove 30, within which the rear wall 29 is arranged with a lateral edge region 31. Furthermore, the lower horizontally oriented first plate element A, facing the illustration of FIG. 12, also has a further groove 32, which is aligned with the groove 30 of the second plate element B. If a plurality of plate element A, B are assembled into a self-contained frame, corresponding grooves 30, 32 may be arranged circumferentially within this not shown for receiving the rear wall 29 in a manner not shown.

In order to provide a non-illustrated, composite frame of at least three plate members A, B with such a rear wall 29, their arrangement within individual grooves 30, 32 is required before the last plate member A, B closes the frame to be manufactured. To the necessary Allow relative movement to lock the plate members A, B, the last plate member A may not only include a simple groove 32 for receiving the rear wall, since the back wall is supported during the relative movement of the plate member A, B in the other grooves 30 and so the Locking movement of the last plate element A prevented. In order nevertheless to make this possible, the invention provides for the widening of the groove 32 of the first plate element A in the form of a notch 33, which widens the groove 32 as far as a head region 34 of the first plate element A. Within this notch 33, a further groove 35 is provided, wherein the groove 32 of the first plate member A stairs in the groove 35 of the notch 33 passes.

It is important to ensure that a bottom 36 of the notch 33 extends at least at the level of a bottom 37 of the groove 32, so that the rear wall 29 during the locking movement across this lies within the notch 33 and thereby maximally on the respective base 36, 37th rests. The running in the plane of the first plate member A depth of the notch 33 must correspond to at least the length of the locking movement, which in particular by the respective length e1, e2 of the first and second strip portions 8a, 24a of Figures 5 and 6 results.

In order to hold the rear wall 29 within the closed frame of individual plate elements A, B also on the last plate element A, a clamping strip 38 is provided. The clamping strip 38 is adapted in relation to its cross-sectional shape of the notch 33 and the groove 35 arranged thereon. In this case, the depth of the terminal strip 38 corresponds to the depth of the notch 33 minus the width of the groove 32, in which the rear wall 29 is arranged. Due to the cross-sectional adaptation and the necessary holding action, the terminal strip 38 has a two-legged cross-section, wherein a first leg 38a rests on the base 36 of the notch 33, while a second leg 38b of the terminal block 38 is disposed in the groove 33 of the notch. Once the frame forming plate members A, B are interconnected by the locking movement, the rear wall 29 is circumferentially disposed in the grooves 30, 32 of the plate members A, B, so that the terminal block 38 inserted into the notch 33 and in particular in the groove 35 can be. Through the terminal block 38 an additional flank of the groove 32 is formed in the first plate member A, within which the rear wall 29 is securely held.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the engaging in the groove 35 of the notch 33 leg 38b at least partially have an oblique or thickened course, so that the terminal block 38 with a corresponding force in the notch 33 and in particular in the groove 35 can be introduced. In contrast, of course, the groove 35 of the notch 33 may have an oblique or tapered portion, which also such, corresponding force demanding clamping action can be generated. In order to open the thus created frame of individual plate elements A, B, the removal of the terminal strip 38 is first necessary, whereby the unlocking movement of the last plate member A is made possible to dissolve the connection to an adjacent plate member B.

Reference numerals:

1 - plate composite

2 - coupling agent

3- outside

4 parting line

5- first face

6- first groove

7 - tongue

8- first sidebar

8a- first strip section

9- dome channel

10- reason

11 - reason

12a edge

12b- flank

13- inner side surface

14- head area

15- first section

16- outer side surface

17 - bevel

18- inner edge area

19- outer edge area

20- second end face

21 - second groove

22 - reason

23a edge

23b flank

24- second sidebar

24a second groin section

25- header 6 - recess

7 - second section 8 - outer corner

9 - rear wall

30 groove

31 - edge area, side

32 groove

33 - Notching

34 - head area

35 groove

36- reason

37 - reason

38 - terminal block

8a thighs

8b thighs

A - first plate element

B - second plate element c- angle

d - connection level e1 - length

e2 - length

f-angle

g - angle

x - longitudinal x1 - distance

x2 - distance

Claims

claims

1. Glueless panel composite comprising at least a first plate member (A) and a second plate member (B), which arranged on these, each parallel to a longitudinal direction (x) of a first end face (5) of the first plate member (A) and a second end face (20) of the second plate element (B) extending coupling means (2) are interconnected and thereby enclose an angle (c) not equal to 180 ° between them, wherein as a coupling means (2) the first plate member (A) a first groove (6 ) has on its first end face (5) and the second plate element (B) has an inner edge region (18) adjoining its second end face (20) with a second groove (21) which extends laterally through an opening in the second end face (20). transitioning second edge strip (24) is limited, wherein the first groove (6) by a tongue (7) and a relative to the tongue (7) recessed first edge strip (8) is limited, characterized in that the the first edge strip (8) into individual first strip portions (8a) and the second edge strip (24) are divided into individual second strip portions (24a), so that in the coupled state of the plate elements (A, B), the first strip portions (8a) and the second Strip portions (24a) undercut at least partially, wherein the first strip portions (8a) in the second groove (21) and the second strip portions (24a) in the first groove (6) are arranged.

2. Plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first strip portions (8a) at a distance (x1) and the second strip portions (24a) at a distance (x2) are arranged from each other.

3. plate assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distance (x1) of the first strip portions (8a) with each other at least one parallel to the longitudinal direction (x) of the second end face (20) measured length (e2) of the second strip portions (24a) and / or the distance (x2) of the second strip sections (24a) from each other at least one parallel to the longitudinal direction (x) of the first end face (5) measured length (e1) of the first strip portions (8a) corresponds.

4. plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second end face (20) has a parallel to the longitudinal direction (x) extending head strip (25) and the tongue (7) having a head strip (25) corresponding Dome channel (9), wherein the head strip (25) is arranged in the coupled state of the plate elements (A, B) in the dome channel (9).

5. plate assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the head strip (25) to the dome channel (9) and / or the first strip portions (8a) to the second groove (21) and / or the second strip portions (24a) to the first Groove (6) are each conformed.

6. plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tongue (7) in an outer side surface (16) of the first plate member (A) passes.

7. plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tongue (7) in the coupled state of the plate elements (A, B) completely covers the second end face (20).

8. plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling means (2) are rigid.

9. plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least a first portion (15) of the tongue (7) and an outer side surface (16) of the first plate member (A) has a first angle (f) and at least a second Partial region (27) of the second end face (20) and an outer edge region (19) of the second plate element (B) opposite the inner edge region (18) enclose a second angle (g) of smaller (<) 90 ° between them.

10. plate assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that in the connected state of the plate elements (A, B) one between the first Partial region (15) and the second portion (27) extending connecting plane (d) located at the intersection of the outer edge region (19) of the second plate member (B) and the outer side surface (16) of the first plate member (A) outer corner (28) cuts.

11. plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least three plate elements (A, B), wherein the plate elements (A, B) in the coupled state form a glueless body in the form of a self-contained frame.

12. plate assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the plate elements (A, B) each have within the composite frame extending groove (31, 32), in which a rear wall (29) can be arranged, wherein a wedge element is provided, which between one of the inner side surfaces (13) of one of the plate elements (A, B) and the rear wall (29) can be arranged.

13. Plate assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the wedge element has a latching nose, which in the arranged state of the wedge element between one of the inner side surfaces (13) of the plate elements (A, B) and the rear wall (29) behind the rear wall (29 ) attacks.

14. Plate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first edge strip (8) merges into an inner side surface (13) of the first plate element (A).

15. A method for glueless joining at least two an angle (c) not equal to 180 ° between them enclosing plate elements (A, B) to a plate assembly (1), wherein the plate elements (A, B) engageable coupling means (2) with in individual strip portions (8a, 24a) have divided edge strips (8, 24), wherein the plate elements (A, B) to be joined together are approximated until at least one of the first strip portions (8a) of the first plate element (A) between two the second strip portions (24a) of the second plate element (B) in the plane of a at an inner edge region (18) of the second plate element (B) arranged second groove (21) and at least one of the second strip portions (24a) in the plane of a first end face (5) of the first plate member (A) arranged first groove (6) has slid therethrough, wherein the plate elements (A, B) subsequently are displaced in opposite directions relative to one another by a limited relative movement in a locking direction extending parallel to a longitudinal direction (x) of the first end side (5), until the first strip section (8a) at least partially in the second groove (21) and the second strip section (24a) is arranged at least in sections in the first groove (6), so that the one of the first strip portions (8a) undercuts at least in sections one of the second strip portions (24a).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that at the end of the approximation of the plate elements (A, B) engages a head strip (25) of the second plate member (B) in a coupling channel (9) of the first plate member (A), wherein the head strip ( 25) is displaced parallel to the longitudinal direction (x) during the subsequent relative movement of the plate elements (A, B) within the dome channel (9).